When the terminology “quilt tour” is used, I suppose it does conjure up the vision of ladies and gentlemen traveling to quilt. However, quilts and/or textiles are the passion that often brings the group together, and there is not always an active quilting component on every group. The purpose varies from group to group. I have groups of quilt and textile historians that travel to see historic pieces while other groups travel to shop for exotic and hard to find fabrics. Still, others travel for the fellowship with those who share their enthusiasm. It seems that when one exists, the actual quilting project is not as important as spending time with others who have a built in connection through quilts and quilt-making.

How often they travel often depends upon their economic and family situation. I have some clients who have been on every tour, others who travel with me once a year, and some who look at a single tour as a way to a brief respite from the ordinary.

Outside of providing value in a quilt and textile related vacation experience, inspiration is the key essential on any trip; this is found in many ways. Quilters and textile enthusiasts are often inspired by landscapes, museum visits, quilts and textiles they see, by sharing with each other and the bonds they make with their fellow travelers. While the focus of any itinerary is quilts, a theme is often important in terms of how local quilt-making customs or historic textiles relate to the community that is being visited. One activity that most everyone looks forward to is any opportunity to shop for unusual or locally produced fabrics that will further inspire their quilt-making once they return home. For those who are historians, I feel it is important to include visits to historic archives and provide unusual opportunities to see antique quilts that are not often available for public viewing. An essential element for me then as a quilter and quilt historian is to have a professional relationship with my colleagues within these institutions as this often opens doors to archives where we would not otherwise have access.

I believe it is helpful when the planner is knowledgeable about quilts and spends time with quilters in areas not surrounded by travel. As a quilter, show judge, appraiser and author, I spend a lot of time around quilts and quilt-makers. This helps me know their special interests and my tours are planned specifically around these things; they are not tours planned and then marketed to those who make quilts. In order for them to produce results, I have noticed a number of “quilt tours” that have hired a guest quilter to accompany a land tour group. Many times, this may seem like a benefit to the traveler, but, just as often, an additional cost is added to the tour in order to pay for the famous named guest who is coming along. I will not burden my travelers with those types of additional charges. If I feel that having a guest would benefit a group or the overall tour experience, I will have one, but it is not a factor I often consider. It is also important to have knowledge of class and workshop limitations; when planning actual quilting classes the planner should be aware of time constraints, materials and the facility suitability to the project.

I believe my most popular destinations to date have been Ireland and Bali, both for different reasons. Ireland for its incomparable beauty and Bali for its exquisite batik fabrics. Our most popular cruises have been the ones that do the European Christmas Markets or our Hawaii Quilt Bee at Sea. The most popular activity by far is shopping. I try to plan tours that not only offer rewarding textile experiences but also provide a truly memorable experience. Most of my travelers choose a destination they have always wanted to visit.

As a quilter and travel enthusiast, the owner, Deb Roberts plans each trip as if for herself or her family. I take every stop into consideration. It sometimes takes weeks or longer to create the perfect itinerary. To me, travel is about the total experience as well as providing a good value and I do all that I can to keep the travel experience affordable. I am not a large travel agency; all of my group travel experiences are simply about quilts and textiles.

When selecting a quilt tour or cruise provider, it is important to note there may be others who promote quilt trips that happen to coincide with their other special-interest group tours. While it might be a fun group I believe that it might be surprise for a group of 10 quilters to find themselves sharing a motor coach with taxidermists. This would be a convenient way to fill a coach, but I do not mind keeping my groups small. I find when everyone in a group shares the same passion, bonding is almost instant. Always ask your quilt tour provider if they are promoting the same tour or cruise to any other type of hobby or interest group.

I promote quilt related travel simply for the joy of sharing the world of quilts and textiles with others. I love to travel – and what better way is there to see things than with others who share similar interests.

Our travelers are of all ages and from all parts of the world. They share a passion for quilts and quilting, textiles, arts and crafts, and share a desire to connect with the lives and cultures in the places they visit. Many who travel with us are first time travelers, while others have done a lot of travel in the past but are looking for something unique that they can’t organize on their own and/or enjoy the company of others with the same interests. The age group of our tour participants ranges from around 35 to 85 years of age but we have had travelers from 13 up join our groups.

Yes absolutely – although we focus on quilts and textiles there is always something else for those with other interests to do or see. In general, about 20 – 25% of our groups are companions in this category. We always have husbands who come along, so if you want to bring yours, chances are he will not be the only one.

While Deb does provide a variety of visits, hands-on classes and workshops they are not mandatory. This is your vacation; you may do whatever you like. While the activities are designed for every level and many are purely for fun and interaction with the local people, if there are any activities that you don’t want to do – just let us know and we will suggest alternative activities for you.

Some of the tours do have periods that require active to strenuous walking and a few may feature extended coach or train rides (greater than 4 hours).  Some tours have walking over uneven pavement such as cobblestones. We have found that most people of normal fitness and mobility are able to participate fully. Those who may have difficulty walking and require assistance may need to bring someone to help them. Please see our terms and conditions regarding health issues. Because we are not aware of any individual’s health condition, we do ask that you receive an okay from your health practitioner to participate on any of our tours.  You may be asked to provide a letter.

Our groups are a mix of single travelers, couples and friends. If you are a solo traveler and wish to share with someone we will attempt to find someone else on the tour who wishes to share a room. If there is no one wanting to share the only difference in your cost is that of the single room supplement that we pay to our hotels or you may choose not to participate with a full refund of your deposit.

We do not sell travel insurance but we provide a link for you to purchase it separately or you may choose to use any company you wish.

Yes and No, we provide it as an option to you, or you can purchase it from any travel insurance provider. However, because unexpected things do happen, we strongly suggest that you have coverage.  Some tour suppliers insist on insurance, if this is the case we let you know.

The date for the final payment is on your booking agreement for your tour or cruise.  We have 2 day grace period for adding a 5% late fee, and a 5 day grace period before canceling without recourse.  In other words, if your final payment is due on the 7th, the 5% will be added on the 10th, giving you the 8th and 9th to pay without penalty.  If it is not paid by the 14th, your trip will be canceled.  We do make exceptions for late payments but these need to be arranged BEFORE the final payment is due.

We accept payments only through wetravel.com.  You may pay directly through your bank for no fee or use a credit card for a 3% convenience fee (which they keep). You will receive an invoice approximately 7 days before a payment is due.

Effective January, 2021 all travelers must have an appropriate Covid 19 vaccination for the area they are traveling to or according to the rules of the cruise line or country they will be visiting.  Most of our tours do not require other immunizations, but some do. Your health care provider is the best judge as to what you may need for your trip. To guide you as to possible immunizations suggested for your itinerary, please refer to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Either the owner, Deb Roberts or a seasoned member of her team of travel leaders.

Please see our refund and cancelation policy in our terms & conditions.  Refunds vary depending on the trip and the timing of cancelation.  There is a cancelation deadline provided in your booking agreement as to what is refundable up until that time.